Indigenous Knowledge on Healthcare Practices by the Reang Tribe of Dhalai District
of Tripura, North East India

S. Shil
and M. DuttaChoudhury

Department of Life
Science, AssamUniversitySilchar

Silchar-
788011, Assam,
India

Email:
sanjib_shil@rediffmail.com

Issued 01 June 2009

Abstract

The present study aimed to prepare an inventory of ethnomedicinal plants used by the Reang
tribe Dhalai district of Tripura
state, India.
Reangs are mostly residing in deep forest and
depend on their own traditional health care system. The survey was conducted
during 2003 to 2004 in the different villages of Dhalai
district of the state covering all the seasons. In the present work a total
of 58 medicinal plants species belonging to 57 genera and 39 families are
presented. Out of the total collection, in maximum cases leaves (48.28%) are used which is followed by
root/rhizome (29.31%), bark (10.34%), fruit/seed (8.62%), stem (3.45%) and whole plant (1.72%),
against different ailments. The collected plants are mostly used in blood
coagulation, cough and cold, fever and headache, diarrhoea
and dysentery, stomach problem and gastritis,
bone fracture and sprains, carbuncle,
jaundice, leucorrhoe,
rheumatism, ringworm etc. Plant parts used, their preparation, and doses are
discussed along with the family and local names of the collected herbs.�����������

������� All civilizations have always had
traditions of using herbs to promote healing. From the ancient times to date,
people healed themselves with traditional herbal medicines. In the recent
years, a global trend of interest has been noticed in the traditional system
of medicines. Plants still remain the basis for development of modern drugs
and medical plants have been used for years in daily life to treat diseases
all over the world (Ates and Erzdogrul,
2003). Screening of medicinal herbs has become a potential source of
biodynamic compounds of therapeutic value. The herbal medicines do not have
any such effects but have benefits due to the combinations of medicinal
ingredients coupled with vitamins and minerals. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has listed 20,000 medicinal plants globally (Gupta and Chadha 1995); India�s
contribution (Singh, H. B 2000) is 15�20%. According to the WHO estimate,
about 80% of the population in the developing countries depends directly on
plants for its medicines (Pareek, 1996; Mukhopadhyay1998).
Ethno botanical studies have become increasingly precious in the development
of modern health care and conservation programs in different parts of the
globe (Black, 1996). The ethno botanical information gathered aims for the
preparation of an inventory of medicinal herbs in Tripura
state.

������ The state Tripura is one of the seven sister states of North
Eastern region of India
can be of very good prospects in this regard because of its unique ethnic
culture and diverse vegetation. Tripura is located between 220 �56/ to 240
� 32/ North latitude and between 900 � 09/ to
920 � 20/ East longitude. Total area of Tripura is 10496 Sq. Km. Reang is the second most populous tribe of
Tripura. They are austromongoloid in origin. Reangs are primarily
agriculturist tribe. They mostly used to practice the Huk or Jhum
cultivation. Total Reang
population in the state is 1, 43,478.

������� Comparatively very less
attention has been paid by the ethno botanists for exploring the ethnomedicinal resources of the state. Deb (1968) has reported some medicinal plants
of Tripura. Huidrom
Singh(1996) worked on �Choarak� (a local wine) in Tripura
state. Singh et al. (1997) reported
the medicinal plants of Tripuritribals
of Tripura state. Chakraborty
(2003) worked on useful weeds of Tripura. Shil (2007) worked on the ethnomedicinal
plants of Reang tribe of Tripura
state.��

Materials
and Methods

������� Exhaustive field survey have been
undertaken from 2003 to 2004 covering all the seasons for gathering
information on each and every species useful in herbal medicine among the Reangs. Survey conducted in different villages of Dhalai district of Tripura
state.The
present research study was undertaken to document the plants solely used by
the Reang tribe of Tripura
state for the treatment of various diseases. Methodologies as suggested by Schultes (1960
& 1962), Jain (1964, 1967, 1987 & 1989) and Ford (1978) have been
followed during collection of information�s on medico-botanical aspects. This
being a descriptive research, survey method involving collection of data
through questionnaire was adopted. The plants were collected from the study
area, dried, preserved and identified with the help of available literature
(Deb 1981 and 1983; Kanjilalet al. 1934, 1938, 1939 and 1940; Bor
1940; and Hooker 1872-1887) which are compared with the specimens in the
Herbarium of Botanical Survey of India, Shillong;
Herbarium of Assam University Silchar, Assam,
India. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Department of
Life Science, Assam University Silchar, Assam,
India.

Results

1) Alliumcepa L.
[Family � Alliaceae]

Vernacular name: Chouck.

Occurrence: Commonly cultivated in kitchen gardens.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Small pieces
of fresh bulbs crushed between fingers and the pungent vapour
so evolved is allowed to enter the eyes for reducing eye wart.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Leaves are crushed mixing with the leaves of
china roseand the paste so
obtained is applied on fresh cuts to stop bleeding. The same is used as an
antiseptic.

4) Anacolosailicoides Mast. [Family �Icacinaceae]

Vernacular name: Musafama.

Occurrence: Grows wild.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Leaves cut into small pieces, pounded and made
to a paste. It is then applied locally around fresh cuts or wounds to reduce
pain and also as antiseptic.

5) Argereia nervosa (Burm. f.) Hort. [Family �Convolvulaceae]

Vernacular name: Konglabli.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh root cut into small pieces, pounded to
paste with water applied locally on bone joints as poultice to get cured from
sprains.

6) Begonia thomsoniiA.DC. [Family � Begoniaceae]

Vernacular name: Thaichengmokoi.

Occurrence: Found in moist and shady places.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Roots cut into pieces, pounded and made to a
paste. It is then diluted to double its content and decanted. The supernatant
is taken internally thrice a day during diarrhoea.

7) Boehmeriamacrophylla
D. Don [Family � Utricaceae]

Vernacular name: Muithlimsu.

Occurrence: Common along road sides hillocks and slopes.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Roots cut into pieces, pounded and made into a
paste. About 10 gm of the paste is dissolved in a cup of water, decanted and
supernatant is taken internally twice a day during leucorrhoea till the
disease is cured.

8) Brunellavulgaris L. [Family �Lamiaceae]

Vernacular name: Lamaku

Occurrence: Common in wild condition.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh bark of the plant cut into pieces,
pounded and an aqueous concentrated extracts is made and applied locally
during toothache.

9) Cassia
toraL. [Family � Caesalpiniaceae]

Vernacular name: Luthamphang.�

Occurrence: Frequent in the wastelands and along the road side in
open sunny places.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The pounded
leaves are applied externally on the skin to check the affect of ringworm.

10) Celosia argentia
L. [Family � Amaranthaceae]

Vernacular name: Khumchakorma.

Occurrence: Scattered as a weed in the cultivated areas and also
in wild areas.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Leaf paste is applied locally on fresh wound to
stop bleeding and also used as antiseptic.

12) CissusadnataRoxb. [Family �Vitaceae]

Vernacular name: Khumthaili.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh tubers are pounded and made to paste. The
paste is applied locally around the carbuncle to get relief from pain and
liberate pus.

13) Clausenaheptaphylla(Roxb.) Wt.� & Arn.[Family �Rutaceae]

Vernacular name: Sataukura.

Occurrence: Cultivated mainly for edible fruits.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fruit juice with rock salt is taken internally
for the treatment of cough and claimed to be effective against asthma also.

14) Clerodendrumpaniculatum L. [Family �Verbenaceae]

Vernacular name: Boiec.

Occurrence: Cultivated for edible fruits.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Freshly harvested roots cut into pieces and
pounded together with the roots of Tamarindusindica and Ananascomosus and made to paste. The decoction of the
mixture is then taken internally twice a day for the treatment of
Typhoid.�� �

15) Croton
caudatus. Geis. [Family �Euphorbiaceae]

Vernacular name: Jiran.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor and abandoned jhum land.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Decoction of roots used to relive from
constipation.� �

16) Curcuma
aromatica� Salisb. [Family
�Zingiberaceae]

Vernacular name: Bloungkarma.

Occurrence: Grows along road sides and in jhum
field.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 20 gm of fresh rhizome is taken with
molasses in empty stomach for seven days for the treatment of stomach
ailments.

17) Cymbidium
aloifolium (L.) Sw. [Family �Orchidaceae]

Vernacular name: Khelang.

Occurrence: Grows as epiphyte on tree trunks.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Aerial root cut into pieces, crushed between
two stones and a paste is made. This is applied in the form of poultice on
the broken joints after setting the bones. Bamboo splints are usually tied
around the joints to check further dislocation of the fractured bones.

18) Desmodiummotorium
(Houtt.) Merr. [Family � Papilionaceae]

Vernacular name: Turkimondon.

Occurrence: An under shrub fairly common in grasslands.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The leaves are
cooked with meat of dear and are taken internally. It helps in improving
health.

19) Desmoslongiflorus (Roxb.) Safford [Family �Annonaceae]

Vernacular name: Khorjun.�

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest. Occurrence common.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Bark cut into pieces pounded and about 50 gm of
it boiled in glass of water. The extract so obtained is used as mouth wash
during toothache.

20) Drypetesassamica (Hook. f.) Pax &
Hoffm. [Family
�Euphorbiaceae]

Vernacular name: Lamaku.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Freshly prepared decoction of bark is applied
locally in toothache.

21) Entadapursaetha DC. [Family �Mimosaceae]

Vernacular name: Kung.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest. Distribution-rare.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Oily paste obtained by crushing 2-3 mature
seeds is used for body massage during severe body pain.

22) Eriapubescens(Hook.) Lindl. ex� Stend.
[Family �Orchidaceae]

Vernacular name: Khelangpachi.

Occurrence: Commonly found on tree trunk as epiphytes.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Powdery seeds obtained from ripe fruits applied
locally in ear sore. About 1 gm of powder is given at a time twice daily till
the sores dried up.

23) Eusteralisstellata (Lour.) Panig.
[Family �Lamiaceae]

Vernacular name: Mulomandar.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest, often cultivated.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh leaves pounded together with kidney of
goat and made a paste. About 10 gm of it is taken internally twice a day for
seven days for night blindness.

24) Ficusrigida Jack. [Family � Moraceae]

Vernacular name: Jola.�

Occurrence: Scattered throughout the state, scarce.���

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Roots cut into pieces and pounded to made
paste. Small pills are prepared from the paste and 1 pill taken internally at
bed time which act as laxative.

25) Flacourtiajangomas
(Lour.) Raeusch. [Family � Flacourtiaceae]

Vernacular name: Bakhla

Occurrence: Cultivated around the villages.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The leaf paste
is applied externally over the carbuncle to get it burst and get cured from
the disease.

26) Globbamultiflora Wall. ex Baker [Family �Zingiberaceae]

Vernacular name: Hiching.

Occurrence: Common along road� side cutting and on shady and moist
areas.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Hot decoction of rhizome is taken internally
(around half cup) twice daily for the treatment of hoping cough.

27) Goniothalamussesquipedalis (Wall.) Hook. f. [Family �Annonaceae]

Vernacular name: Damnagra.

Occurrence: Common in the forest.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh root cut into pieces pounded and made
paste with water. It is then diluted to double of its content and supernatant
is taken internally (half cup) thrice daily for leucorrhoea till it is cured.

28) JasminumlaurifoliumRoxb. [Family
� Oleaceae]

Vernacular name: Mali.

Occurrence: Grows wild, also cultivated as ornamental plants.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 10 gm of
leaf together with leaves of Aeglemarmelos crushed in a mortar. The decoction is taken
internally to stop vomiting. About � cup decoction is taken once during
vomiting.

29) Lygodiumflexuosum
(L.) Sw. [Family
� Schizaeaceae]

Vernacular name: Duoreng.

Occurrence: Common on shady and moist road side cuttings.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Rachis of the
plant tied over forehead to reduce headache.

30) Mallotusphilippensis
(Lamk.) Muell. [Family � Euphorbiaceae]

Vernacular name: Boltauthu.�

Occurrence: Common tree found throughout the state.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Curry prepared
using the leaf bud mixing with hen�s egg taken internally during leucorrhoea
to cure from the disease.

31) Mangifera
indica L. [Family � Anacardiaceae]

Vernacular name: Thaichu.

Occurrence: Cultivated for edible fruits.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh bark
pounded, made a water extract, filtered and about 20 ml of it is taken
internally thrice a day during dysentery. Aqueous extract of tender leaves is
also used for the same purpose.

32) Melothriaheterophylla
(Lour.) Cogn. [Family
� Cucurbitaceae]

Vernacular name: Dupoitha.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh roots
cut into pieces, pounded and made to paste. It is then diluted to and the
decoction is taken internally thrice a day for 7 days to ease and release
urinary troubles and blockages.

33) Menthaarvensis
L. [Family � Lamiaceae]

Vernacular name: Khumbawbaw.

Occurrence: Grows wild and also cultivated.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 10 gm of
leaves pounded together with a few seeds of Piper nigrum
and made paste. It is then diluted and the decoction is taken internally
thrice a day during asthmatic problem and continued till the disease is
cured.

34) Mesua
ferrea L. [Family � Guttiferae]

Vernacular name: Khersai.

Occurrence: Cultivated for timber.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Seeds pounded
and made an oily paste used for massaging the body to reduce excess pain. One
message is given a day till pain reduces. Seeds are also burnt as substitute
for candle.

35) Michelia
champaca L. [Family � Magnoliaceae]

Vernacular name: Champa.

Occurrence: Cultivated mainly for scented flower.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 10 gm of
seed powder is dissolved in a cup of cold water and taken in empty stomach
during jaundice. The disease is cured if it is taken regularly for 7 days.

36) Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) Robinson. [Family
� Asteraceae]

Vernacular name: Deshmara

Occurrence: Very common climber found throughout the state.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The fresh
leaves are pounded and the poultice is applied externally over the cut of
stop bleeding.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Leaves crushed
in between palms; juice squeezed out and is applied locally on fresh wounds
to stop bleeding instantly and also as an antiseptic, when applied 2-3 times
a day the wound is healed. It is also applied over forehead during headache.

38) Monochoriahastata
(L.) Solms. [Family
� Pontederiaceae]

Vernacular name: Chichiri.

Occurrence: Grows wild in water logged and marshy places.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh petiole
cut into pieces, boiled with salt and eaten as vegetable for general health.

39) Mussaendaroxburghii
Hook. f. [Family � Rubiaceae]

Vernacular name: Khurmumu.

Occurrence: Grows wild in base hillocks.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh bark cut
into pieces, pounded and made to paste. It is then diluted and the decoction
(c 20 ml) is given thrice a day against diarrhoea.

40) Ophiorrhizanutans
Clarke [Family � Rubiaceae]

Vernacular name: Salbuaio.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the secondary forest.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Paste of
leaves is considered to be very strong antiseptic and applied locally to dry
old abscess. Fresh paste is applied twice a day till the abscess dries up.

41) Pelatantheriainsectifer
(Reichb. F.) Ridl. [Family �Orchidaceae]

Vernacular name: Uamaifry.�

Occurrence: Grows wild as epiphytes on tree trunks.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fresh leaves
along with the aerial roots of Papilionantheteres cut into pieces, pounded and made to a paste.
The paste is applied in the form of poultice on fractured bones after placing
them in proper place. Bamboo splints are tied usually around the bone. It is
believed that the poultice accelerates healing of bones and also acts as pain
killer.

42) Pithecellobiumheterophyllum
(Roxb.) Macbr. [Family � Mimosaceae]

Vernacular name: Samtawkhi.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: A few drops of
the decoction of leaves are taken internally in empty stomach during
jaundice.

43) Pleomelespicata
(Roxb.) N.E. Brown [Family � Agavaceae]

Vernacular name: Chanthi.

Occurrence: Grows wild on forest floor.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Bark of
modified root is removed and the soft white inner portion is taken as raw
against stomach trouble.

44) Potrulaca
quadrifida L. [Family � Portulacaceae]

Vernacular name: Khumchowma.

Occurrence: Cultivated in the home garden for coloured flowers and medicinal uses.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The decoction
of leaves is then taken internally during congestion in lung and when
develops chest pain due to gastric problem.

45) Prunusarborea
(Bl.) Kalkman [Family � Rosaceae]

Vernacular name: Lutaukha.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest.��

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 5 gm of
leaf paste is taken internally in the form of pills twice daily as an appetiser.

46) Psidiumguajava
L. [Family � Myrtaceae]

Vernacular name: Gayong.

Occurrence: Cultivated for edible fruits and medicinal uses.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The decoction
of tender leaves after cooling used as a gargle to cure pyorrhoea.
This is also taken internally against diarrhoea and
prescribed 2-3 times a day.

47) Pterissemipinnata
L. [Family � Pteridaceae]

Vernacular name: Skaiumamoidu.

Occurrence: Frequent along moist and shady base of hillocks and
on moist road side cuttings.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Fronds pounded
to paste with water applied locally around carbuncle to getting it burst and
also to reduce pain.

48) Rhuschinensis
Miller [Family � Anacardiaceae]

Vernacular name: Dounilbly.

Occurrence: Common in the forest.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The paste of
fresh leaves applied locally of fresh cuts for clotting of blood and also for
antiseptic action.

49) Sonchusbrachyotus
DC. Prodr. [Family
� Asteraceae]

Vernacular name: Blonghamchen.

Occurrence: Found in the open hillocks and also in the jhum field.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The freshly
prepared extract of leaves taken internally to get cured from rheumatism.

50) Spilanthespaniculata
Wall. [Family � Asteraceae]

Vernacular name: Ushnui.

Occurrence: Grows in open places and in rice fields.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Leaf paste in
large scale added to stagnant water pools for intoxication of fish to capture
them easily.

51) Stephania japonica (Thunb.)
Miers. [Family
� Menispermaceae]

Vernacular name: Tousabachoiyama.

Occurrence: Climbers found in forest areas.�

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Root paste is
prepared in to small pills and administered to take internally as one pill
thrice a day to get cured from rheumatism.

52) SterculiavillosaRoxb. ex Masters [Family � Sterculiaceae]

Vernacular name: Fathi.

Occurrence: Grows wild, not very common.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: The decoction
of root is taken internally once day for good health. The extract may be
taken regularly to keep strong.

53) Terminaliaarjuna(Roxb.) Wight. & Arn. [Family �
Combretaceae]

Vernacular name: Arjun.

Occurrence: Grows wild and also cultivated along the road sides.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About 10 gm of
bark powder boiled in milk and taken internally for the treatment of cardiac
problem.

54) Tinospora
cordifolia (DC.)
Miers. [Family � Menispermaceae]

Vernacular name: Duboei.

Occurrence: Commonly climb upon mango tree.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: About � cup of
the decoction prepared from stem is taken internally thrice a day against
dysentery with abdominal pain.

55) Tournefortiamontana Lour. [Family � Boraginaceae]

Vernacular name: Pamomlenima.

Occurrence: Grows wild, often cultivated.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Watery extract
of leaf is an effective antiseptic and applied locally on fresh wounds.

56) Vernoniacinerea
(L.) Less. [Family � Asteraceae]

Vernacular name: Khumplaksom.

Occurrence: A common weed in open waste places.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Freshly
prepared leaf juice is taken internally during malarial fever to get cured
quickly.

57) Zanthoxylumarmatum
DC. [Family � Rutaceae]

Vernacular name: Chaingslong.

Occurrence: Grows wild in the forest.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Root paste is
taken orally in the form of pills thrice a day during acute gastric pain.

58) ZingibercassumunarRoxb. [Family
� Zingiberaceae]

Vernacular name: Hiching.�

Occurrence: Found common in wild condition.

Usage in Ethnomedicine: Decoction of
rhizome is warmed and taken orally to cure cough and cold.

Discussion

������� The present study shows
that the state Tripura is having great diversity of
medicinal plants with rich ethnomedicinal uses
against different ailments. It is now necessary to undertake detailed study
of ethnomedicinal plants of the state Tripura. This will ensure to reveal a lot more
information on ethnomedicinal value of some of the
plants before they become extinct. Once this information unearthed can be
conserved and utilized for the benefit of mankind.��

�������� In the present investigation out of
total 58 species collected from the Reang tribes to
treat various ailments, leaves (48.28%)
are widely used, followed by root (29.31%), stem (3.45%), bark (10.34%),
whole plant (1.72%), and seeds/fruits (8.62%). Mostly medicines are prepared
in the form of paste or crude extract. 58 species reported in the present
work belongs to 39 families. Highest numbers of plants are used from the
family Asteraceae (5 species). Three species each
from the families Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae and Zingiberaceae. Rest of the
families contributed either 2 or single species.��

Acknowledgement

Authors
are thankful to the Reang peoples for the valuable
information they rendered.